The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to urgently address reported cases of political violence, threats and intimidation ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election.
SERAP said 56 politically related violent incidents and 14 fatalities have been recorded in the state in the past year, including shootings, killings, attacks and destruction of property.
The organisation called on INEC to document and publicly report incidents, strengthen security coordination and ensure credible allegations are investigated and prosecuted.
It stressed that voters, candidates, journalists, observers and civil society groups must be able to participate freely and safely, warning that “no election should be conducted in an atmosphere of fear.”